Reading-desk



(NoModem M. E. MOORE.

. READING DESK. Y A

WITNBSSBS: Y

UNITED STATES `PATENT FFICE,

MYRON E. MOORE, OF WOODFORDS, MAINE.

READING-DESK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 261,471, dated Ju1y 18, 1882.

clear, and exactdescrij'nionof the invention,v

which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference, beingrhad to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

The invention, relates to combined reading and writing tables and book'holders, and has for its object lto secure greater convenience, ease in adjustment,and durability. To this end it consists in certain improvements in the construction andV operation' of the same.

In the drawings, Figure l is a perspective view of the'device complete; Fig. 2, a vertical sectional view ofthe same; Fig. 3, a cross-section on the line x ai, Fig. 2; and Fig. 4, a vertical sectional view on the line y y, Fig. l.

Referring by letter to the drawings, A designates a stand or socket, supported by legs B, in which isvertically adjustable a standard, C, by means of set-screw l). 0n top the standard G is pivoted a horizontal supportingarm, E, on which is hinged a table, F, at its rear end, G, its front end being vertically adj ustable by means of a set-screw, H, workin g in the end of arm E against the under side of table F. Thus the latter may be adjusted to the desired incline and also turned to suit any position of the person.

To the pivoted arm E, in rear of the adjustable table, is pivoted a vertical standard, G', bifnrcated at its top to form arms H' H,`be low which may be centrally formed a kerf,-I, as shown. Y

J is the independent book-support, provided with the usual supporting-ledge, K, and having secured to its back a rearwardly-projecting plate, L, provided near its outer edge with a segmental slot, M. The plate L is pivoted between the arms of standard G', at about its center, by a pin` or bolt, N, passing transversely through the arms H' H', near their top, and through the slot in the plate passes a transverse bolt, O, screwthreaded, as at P,

5o so that a head, Q, having a screw-threaded hole, R, may screw over its projecting end and serve to clamp the arms H' H' rmly against Application filed May 17, 1882, (No model.)

the plate to retain the book-rest in'position. The latter may thus be adjusted to the desired angle, and the diameter of the bolt 0 is preferably nearlythe same as the width of slot M, so that after the headQ is loosened by turning the head S of said bolt the friction of its shank against the sides of the slot' will automatically adjust the book-rest. In clamping the'arms H' H' the kerf in the standard will preventsplitting or damage tothe same when it is formed of Wood.

To hold the book in an open position I providel clamping-springs l T, preferably constructed of a single pieceof wire,passed through a groove, U, in the ledge of the book-holder, and having upturned rear ends, V, passing under the latter to retain the spring in the groove. The portionW of the spring which passes through the groove is preferably bowed upwardly, and in front of this coiled, as at X, from which extends a rearward arm, Y, the end of which,Z, bears on the pages of the book, the outward pressure of the latter causing the spring to bind against the bottom ofthe groove and retain the book open. lWhen the book is open tl'jeside supporting the least number oi' pages necessarily lies against the back ot' the book-holder in an inclined position. To obviate this, and bring this side ot' the book on a plane with the opposite side, a screw, A', preferably of Wood, works through a screwthreaded opening, B', in the book-holder, lits inner rounded or smooth end, C', adapted to support the side of the book. The openings B' are of course formed at each side the holder.

YThe operation and advantages of my invention willhe readily understood.

The table may be turned as desired, and the book-holder turned or adjusted independent of the table to suit any relative position ot' the two parts.

The device is simple, inexpensive, and efti` cient, and is of superior convenience and utility.

, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Pat- BDI- l. The combination, with a book-rest having a supporting-ledge in which are formed on its upper face rearwardly-extending grooves, of the springs for holding thepbook open, having a central upwardly-bowed portion passing under the rest and adapted to bind against IOO the bottom of the groove, said bowed portion poste end of the said arm and provided with imparting greater elastic movement, as set an adjustable book-support, as and for the purforth. pose set forth.

2. As anew article of manufacture, the here 1u testimony that I claim the foregoing as 5 in-described reading-desk, consisting of the my own I have hereto afxed my signature in 15 hase, the adjustable standard, horizontal arm presence of two witnesses.

centrally swiveled upon the same, the desk MYRON E. MOORE.

pivoted to the horizontal arm, the adjusting- Witnesses:

screw in the arm and under the desk, and the J. R. LITTELL, 1o vertical standard loosely mounted in the 0p- U. K. ALLEN.

. A i mimi 

